Stuffed Shells
Indulge in the comforting flavors of stuffed shells, a classic Italian-American dish that combines large pasta shells with a rich filling of ricotta, mozzarella, and herbs, all baked in a savory marinara sauce. This recipe is perfect for a family gathering or a cozy night in. Follow this guide to create a dish that is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a great addition to any dinner table.
Ingredients
– 20 large pasta shells
– 2 cups ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4. Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, and cooking time is around 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1/4 of the dish) contains approximately 350 calories, 15g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. This is based on one serving for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
3. In a bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
5. Fill each pasta shell with the cheese mixture using a spoon.
6. Place the stuffed shells in the baking dish, open side up.
7. Pour remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.
8. Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top.
9. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute ricotta cheese with cottage cheese for a lighter option. Additionally, spinach can be added to the filling for extra nutrients, and gluten-free pasta shells can be used for a gluten-free version.
Serving and Pairings
Stuffed shells pair wonderfully with a simple green salad and garlic bread. For a more substantial meal, serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a classic Caesar salad.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Stuffed shells can be frozen before baking; just ensure they are tightly covered.
Cooking Mistakes
– Avoid overcooking the pasta shells; they should be al dente.
– Don’t skimp on seasoning the cheese mixture.
– Ensure your marinara sauce is flavorful.
– Use fresh herbs for better taste.
– Don’t overcrowd the baking dish; leave space for even cooking.
Helpful Tips
– Use a piping bag for easy filling of the shells.
– Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving.
– Experiment with different cheeses for varied flavors.
– Add cooked ground meat to the filling for added protein.
FAQs
Can I make stuffed shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare stuffed shells a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate before baking.
What type of cheese works best?
Ricotta is traditional, but mixing in mozzarella and Parmesan gives great flavor and texture.
Can I use a different sauce?
Absolutely! Alfredo sauce or pesto can be great alternatives to marinara.
How do I prevent the shells from sticking together?
Make sure to toss the cooked shells in a bit of olive oil before filling them.
Can stuffed shells be made vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit any meat and use vegetables like spinach or mushrooms in the filling.
Conclusion
Stuffed shells are a delightful and versatile dish that can be customized to suit any taste. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. With its creamy filling and rich sauce, it’s a comforting meal that brings everyone to the table.
Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
- 20 large pasta shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Fill each pasta shell with the cheese mixture using a spoon.
- Place the stuffed shells in the baking dish, open side up.
- Pour remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.
- Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.